Media Release

Big Island police are investigating a house fire Wednesday (September 26) in the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision of lower Puna.

Puna patrol officers responded to Limu street around 1 p.m. after numerous nearby residents reported seeing smoke and flames coming from a vacant house there. A fire inspector who reported to the scene advised police that the origin of the fire was suspicious.

Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle containing several male occupants in the area just before the home caught fire. They described one of the men as being a local male with a dark complexion, black hair and a round face, possibly in his 40s. Another occupant was described as local male with a dark complexion, short black hair, possibly in his 20s, about 5-foot-7, 150 pounds with a slim build.

The vehicle was described as a faded gold or yellow older-model Ford Aerostar minivan with mirrored tint on the windows that appeared to be peeling off in certain areas. The van had a very loud exhaust system or possibly no muffler.

Investigators would like to identify and speak with these individuals.

No one is known to have been injured in the blaze, which destroyed the structure. No monetary estimate of the damages has been given at this time. Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Section are continuing the investigation.

Police ask anyone with information about the identity or location of the individuals sought to call Detective Ian LeeLoy at 961-2381 or the police non-emergency number at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.